Over-the-ear headphones are exactly that: headphones designed to fit around your ear, which are different from "on-ear." They're also referred to as "circumaural," which means that padded cups fully enclose your ears. This list includes models that range from under $40 up to $300, but they're all the best-sounding, most transparent headphones we've ever heard (relative to their price). True audiophiles may consider the top-tiered headphones well worth a lifetime of listening.
Sony MDR7506
They've been around since 1991, but the Sony MDR-7506s are still great sounding -- and fitting -- headphones for less than $100.
Price: $84.95 - $114.00 (check prices)
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Aiaiai TMA-1 Professional DJ Monitoring
The sleek TMA-1 headphones by Aiaiai are ideal for traveling DJs who need tough headphones with an up-front, bass-slamming sound profile.
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Audio-Technica ATH-M50
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50 Professional Studio Monitor Headphones are among the best available for less than $200, offering excellent sound and build quality.
Price: $149.00 - $264.20 (check prices)
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V-Moda Crossfade M-100 (White Silver)
A generous feature set, rugged construction, and warm, detailed sound with powerful bass guarantees the V-Moda M-100's strong appeal for audiophiles with a flexible budget.
Price: $299.99 (check prices)
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Bose Quiet Comfort 15 (Silver)
While they're no bargain, the Bose QuietComfort 15s currently offer the best sound and silencing capabilities in a pair of noise-canceling headphones.
Price: $299.00 - $299.95 (check prices)
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Philips Fidelio L1 Headphones
The beautifully built Philips Fidelio L1 headphones are truly an audiophile's set, sounding sweet with portable speakers and home hi-fi systems.
Price: $149.99 - $161.99 (check prices)
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PSB M4U 1
The PSB M4U 1 delivers first-class audiophile sound at home or on-the-go with your mobile device.
Price: $299.00 - $299.99 (check prices)
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Harman Kardon NC
While they may not be quite as comfortable as Bose's ultrapopular QC 15 headphones, the Harman Kardon NCs offer slightly better sound and have a built-in rechargeable battery to power the active noise-cancellation circuitry.
Price: $299.95 (check prices)
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Sennheiser HD280 Pro
Sennheiser's versatile headphones sound great on DVDs and all kinds of music.
Price: $99.95 - $99.99 (check prices)
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Noontec Zoro (Black)
Bona fide $100 audiophile headphones are rare, but the Noontec Zoros' remarkably clear and balanced sound will wow the cognoscenti.
Price: $62.99 - $65.07 (check prices)
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Sony MDR1R (Black)
It's true that Sony's MDR-1R headphones come with a lofty price tag, but if you're searching for highly accurate-sounding headphones with style and substance, they deserve your attention.
Price: $299.99 (check prices)
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Beats Studio 2013 (White)
They may not be a bargain at $300, but the new Beats Studio headphones are lighter and better-built, and sound significantly better than the original Beats Studio model.
Price: $289.95 - $299.99 (check prices)
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Sennheiser HD 598
The new HD 598's "wow" styling updates the classic Sennheiser look, and the sound has more detail and higher resolution than previous models. We recommend these cans to anyone looking for a pair of headphones with precision sound quality and a wide-open soundstage.
Price: $186.85 - $249.99 (check prices)
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Panasonic RP HTX7 (White)
While their sound and design may not appeal to everyone, the Panasonic RP-HTX7s are excellent entry-level over-the-ear headphones that are a good bargain.
Price: $29.97 - $69.99 (check prices)
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Focal Spirit One
Focal may be new to the headphone market, but its Spirit One is an auspicious debut with the look, feel, and sound of a winner.
Price: $251.11 - $279.99 (check prices)
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Audio-Technica ATH-M30
While they're not in the same league as the step-up ATH-M50 headphones, the Audio-Technica ATH-M30 set costs a lot less and offers impressive performance and decent build quality for the money.
Price: $59.00 - $139.99 (check prices)
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Shure SRH550DJ (Black)
The Shure SRH550DJ headphones strike a solid balance of durability and respectable sound definition, worthy of hard-hitting DJs who play pop, rock, hip-hop, and electronic music.
Price: $99.00 - $119.99 (check prices)
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Ultrasone HFI-680
The Ultrasone HFI-680 headphones' abundant bass power, forgiving treble, and isolation from external noise should make these an attractive choice for some buyers.
Price: $219.95 (check prices)
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V-Moda Crossfade LP headphones
The V-Moda Crossfade LP headphones look good, feel durable, and offer plenty of desirable extras, but the clubby leaning to the sound space does not lend itself well to all genres of music. This set is best suited to DJs and dance music aficionados.
Price: $146.49 - $146.79 (check prices)
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